Definition of languorousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective languorous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of languorous are lackadaisical, languid, listless, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When is it sensible to use lackadaisical instead of languorous?

In some situations, the words lackadaisical and languorous are roughly equivalent. However, lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When can languid be used instead of languorous?

The synonyms languid and languorous are sometimes interchangeable, but languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

When would listless be a good substitute for languorous?

While in some cases nearly identical to languorous, listless suggests a lack of interest caused by physical weakness or dissatisfied boredom.

listless hospital patients
listless children flipping through picture books on a rainy day

In what contexts can spiritless take the place of languorous?

The meanings of spiritless and languorous largely overlap; however, spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of languorous Their first statement signing to launch the project was the €42m purchase of the lanky and languorous Argentine playmaker. James Horncastle, New York Times, 2 June 2026 But, for those looking for something a bit more low-key with the languorous pace of the south, there’s always Puglia. Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 18 May 2026 In conversation, Cornish-Dale is cocky but likable, with a languorous way of speaking that reminded me of Simon Cowell. Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026 The prevailing trend, and antidote to turbulent, ever-changing times, was rather zen, languorous and quieting. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for languorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languorous
Adjective
  • First-act setups extend through the majority of the 108-minute runtime, constituting a plotless meander without the aesthetic allure to justify such a languid journey.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
  • With what seems like little embellishment to real locations (including a genuine culture of female-only caddies sporting bright colors), the movie captures a languid, top-down strangeness.
    Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Marty Zweben Palos Verdes Estates Time for change The Dodgers look completely listless, and waiting for slumping veterans like Teoscar Hernández and Kyle Tucker to snap out of it is a losing strategy.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Berterame started up front along with Luis Suarez, but the duo were unable to find the back of the net in a listless first half that remained scoreless as the teams headed to intermission.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Whitmore appeared in 21 games last season before coach Brian Keefe benched him in early December because of Whitmore’s lack of passing on offense and lackadaisical defense.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Its knit fabric never requires an iron or steamer, and it’s held up through countless washes without pilling despite my lackadaisical approach to laundry.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The boots apply rhythmic pressure to the legs to improve circulation and move excess fluid out, which can ease heavy, tired legs after a long day of walking, a round of golf or a doubles match.
    Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Two or three boot sessions per week, especially after tough training, give tired legs extra recovery.
    Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The Chiefs turned that spiritless first half into a 28-7 blowout Monday night against the Commanders, opening the second half with touchdown drives of 80, 75 and 94 yards.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
  • From spiritless spirits to refusing to open up a bar tab, members of Generation Z are continuing to challenge alcohol traditions.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Visibly exhausted, she’d recently been diagnosed with the Epstein-Barr virus.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Eventually, the Cleveland defense was an exhausted mess with temperatures reaching the mid-90s, but the main point is that the Browns were a mess overall.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Overheating or air bubbles cause the mechanism to enter limp mode, circulating fluid without cooling it.
    Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Designed for limp, oily, and dull hair, the color-safe formula washes away stubborn dirt and grime—common culprits of flat waves—while a lineup of amino acids work to soften and strengthen strands.
    Madison San Miguel, Allure, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Booksellers like Payne typically post their holdings on multiple websites, such as AbeBooks, Alibris, Amazon, and Biblio, with Alibris widely considered to be the sleepiest revenue stream of the bunch.
    Francesca Mancino, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2026
  • For most of their lives, the tracks were a sleepy industrial bypass known as the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway.
    John Lippert, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Languorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languorous. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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